January 22, 2021 5.40 pm This story is over 37 months old

Weirdoughs ready to open Lincoln pizza emporium at new spot

The charity project turned into a business

A Lincoln couple will reopen their independent pizzeria at a new location on Friday night, with an array of main and signature pizzas and Belgian waffles.

Weirdough’s Pizza Emporium will open at Tap & Spile on Hungate from 5pm on Friday, January 22, but it initially started out as a charity project making Neo-Neapolitan pizzas.

Husband and wife team Matt and Rachel Barnes have lived in Lincoln for around five years and last year they wanted to do something to raise money for the NHS.

Matt starting to prepare a pizza. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Kneading the dough. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Matt used to work at a Lincoln school, but they were closed to most pupils for a few weeks in March, so he started working on a project and Weirdoughs Pizza Emporium was born.

It was initially run from The West End Tap from the end of last summer, but in January the pub announced it would not reopen again under its current management, so Weirdoughs had to find a new premises.

The base ready for the next stage of the pizza making. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Matt putting the pizza into the oven. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The tasty pizza in the oven. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Adding the finishing touches to the pizza. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

All profits made from the food sold – just under £2,000 – went to the NHS. The couple also did some drop offs at the coronavirus ward at Lincoln County Hospital.

Matt was made redundant at the end of May and Rachel was due to give birth four weeks after that.

It was a hectic time for the couple as Rachel, who works at a primary school in Peterborough, would be on maternity leave and Matt would soon have no income.

The Margz main pizza – San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Weirdough – San Marzano tomatoes, parmesan, Emmental, mozzarella, red onions, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, spicy Nduja sausage, rocket, balsamic glaze and garlic drizzle. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

As the pizzas were working so well and following feedback from customers, the couple decided to turn it into a business.

Dan Neale, who previously ran the West End Tap, has joined the Weirdoughs team of four as a pizza chef.

Or why not try a Create Your Own Weirdoughs Waffle? | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The dough is homemade 24 hours ahead to make their special main and signature pizzas, while customers can also order a create your own Weirdoughs waffle.

The Belgian waffles come with a variety of toppings such as Kinder Bueno, Crunchie, and Galaxy Caramel, with sauces including white and milk chocolate, salted caramel and toffee, with ice cream.

Weirdoughs will open Friday to Sunday 5pm-9pm and Wednesday to Thursday 5pm-8pm for takeaway or delivery.

Pre-ordering is advised via Facebook or Instagram or by calling 07734 297 035, with the latter option preferred if it is after 4.30pm.

Owner Matt Barnes will help meet your pizza needs. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Delivery is available to the following areas: Ermine, St Giles, Monks Road, High Street, Bailgate, Boultham, West End and the city centre.

Weirdoughs will try and accommodate other areas too, but it may incur additional charges, while the takeaway will also be joining Uber Eats in the near future.

Weirdoughs will be based inside the Tap & Spile pub in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Once pubs are allowed to reopen again, customers at the Tap & Spile will able to order Weirdoughs food straight to their table and Matt said he can’t wait for people to able to experience it that way.